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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Low-Power, Load-Balancing Whole Home Electrification Solution: Cooperative Research and Development (Final Report)

Testing was conducted at the Systems Performance Laboratory in NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Facility to test the performance of 120V wall-mounted heat pumps, 120V heat pump water heaters (HPWH), Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), and other plug-in loads, using NeoCharge Smart Splitters and whole home energy software as appropriate. Four different simulated occupancy scenarios were used to evaluate the package of technology and controls.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2024

Evaluation of the Turbine Integrated Mortality Reduction (TIMR SM ) Technology as a Smart Curtailment Approach (Final Summary Report)

Wind energy is a crucial technology for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the growth and deployment of wind energy in North America have led to the deaths of many bat species due to operating wind turbines. Hundreds of thousands of bats are estimated to die at wind turbines annually in North America. Operational minimization, which includes feathering turbine blades and curtailment, has been documented to reduce bat fatality effectively. Curtailment refers to altering turbine operation based on wind speed, time of year, temperature, sensors, and activity models. However, when turbines are curtailed, they do not generate power, resulting in energy loss and revenue for wind energy facilities. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) funded the development of Turbine Integrated Mortality Reduction (TIM SM ) Technology, which curtails turbine operation when bats are detected. The initial TIMR system research showed promising results, with an 85% reduction in overall bat fatalities and a 91% reduction for the little brown bat. However, these results were based on a single site during one fall season, and it was unclear if similar results could be replicated at other wind energy facilities. This research aimed to validate the TIMR system results from the prior field study at a second site in the U.S., estimate the power production and reduction in bat mortality at turbines with installed TIMR systems relative to blanket curtailment and fully operational turbines, test the TIMR system in two calendar years and during the summer and fall periods, and evaluate the operational and commercial characteristics of the TIMR system for potential wind industry adoption. The study was conducted at a 500.9-MW wind energy facility in southeast Adair County, Iowa. Three experimental treatments were involved in this randomized block design study: TIMR, Curtailment at 5.0 m/s, and Normal Operation. In 2021, three treatments were used at 18 turbines, expanding to four treatments across 36 turbines in 2022. The TIMR system worked as designed throughout the entire study; however, because of unexpected wind turbine operational challenges in 2021, there was not sufficient sample size to evaluate the treatment differences. In 2022, there were significant differences in fatality levels between treatment types and normal operating turbines. Curtailment at 5.0 m/s reduced fatalities by 30.8% compared to normal operations, and TIMR decreased fatalities by 48.6% compared to normal operations. Two different methods were used to evaluate the differences in energy loss for each treatment. The TIMR system resulted in 1.3% to 1.6 % annual energy loss in 2021 and 1.0% to 1.2 % in 2022. The Curtailment at 5.0 m/s resulted in 0.6% to 0.8 % annual energy loss in 2021 and 0.5% to 0.6 % in 2022. The project achieved all the stated objectives and demonstrated that TIMR is an effective technology that balances bat fatality reduction with energy generation. The results will support the deployment of TIMR and other acoustic sensor-based technologies. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of different treatments on fatality rates and energy outputs, contributing to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of wind energy.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Experimental Demonstration of a Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Integrable System in a Particle Accelerator

A two-dimensional nonlinear integrable system was experimentally demonstrated at the Fermilab Integrable Optics Test Accelerator. The system was implemented by inserting a special nonlinear magnet in a conventional accelerator lattice. We characterized the system by measuring lifetimes, transverse profiles and transverse oscillation frequencies of the 150-MeV electron beam as a function of the strength of the nonlinear insert. The measured shift of the working point and the amplitude-dependent detuning were consistent with theoretical predictions. We also observed the predicted bifurcation of the stable closed orbit. A striking consequence of the system's implementation was the possibility to operate the storage ring with integer tunes without lifetime degradation. This research opens up novel ways to design particle accelerators and to stabilize particle beams.

Wieland, John [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000289718523)↗
DOE OSTI2026

SuperLab 2.0 Showcase: Connecting Five Labs to Tackle Grid Complexity and Unlock Unique Grid Asset Potential

SuperLab 2.0 (a five-lab demonstration) is a collaborative, national-scale experiment showcasing the coordination of geographically distributed energy assets in real time. The demonstration integrates 25 physical and digital assets, spanning wind, photovoltaics, batteries, electrolyzers, DC fast chargers, microgrid controllers, building automation systems, small modular reactors, control centers, and gas turbines, across five U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Idaho National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories. These assets are unified using Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), a low-latency, high-performance DOE network, and are controlled via a centralized energy controller hosted at NLR's Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems facility. The demonstration validates the ability to stress-test hybrid energy systems under dynamic scenarios to de-risk advanced control strategies for greater resilience and flexibility.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Engineered Solutions Group's SMR Containment Cable and Electrical Penetration Assembly System

GAIN Project CRADA Number NFE-21-08839, entitled “SMR Containment Cable and EPA System” was initiated by the partnership of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Engineered Solutions Group (ESG) to test an ESG-designed Electrical Penetration Assembly and Containment Cabling System Qualified for not only legacy LWR designs, but also Small Modular Reactors designs currently being designed by several different suppliers. This project was undertaken to fill the equipment gap of EPA and Cabling Systems that require much more severe environmental requirements than legacy plant applications present due to their smaller containment volumes that result in high energy densities compared to legacy designs. This high energy density results in severe accident environments and more severe normal operating conditions as well. We developed two approaches to qualify Electrical Penetration Assembly (EPA) and Containment Cabling Systems for SMRs and Advanced Reactors. We take into consideration the more severe environmental parameters found with SMR designs. The system will need to meet a qualification test program addressing wear/cyclic aging, potential radiation exposure, thermal aging, vibration aging, thermal cycling, seismic qualification, electrical fault testing (per IEEE 317) and accident simulation. The equipment must meet the requirements of 10CFR50.49, GDC 50 in 10CFR50 Appendix A, and 10CFR50 Appendix J. NRC Regulatory Guides (RGs) identify an acceptable way of meeting regulatory requirements. RGs frequently endorse a standard for meeting these requirements. Specific to this review, equipment would be qualified in accordance with the following IEEE Standards. • IEEE 317-2013 (Electrical Penetration Assemblies), which is endorsed by RG 1.63, Rev. 3, • IEEE 323-2003 and the more current IEC/IEEE 60780-323 (Environmental Qualification of 1E Equipment) which is endorsed by RG 1.89. IEEE 323-2003 is endorsed by RG 1.209, • IEEE 344-2020 (Seismic Qualification. The 2013 version endorsed by RG 1.100, Rev. 4, with exceptions), • IEEE 383-2015 (Electrical Cables) (which is endorsed by RG 1.189 Rev. 4 and the -2003 version endorsed by RG 1.211 rev. 0), • IEEE 572-2019 (Electrical Connectors and Assemblies), which is endorsed by 1.156 Rev 1, and • [IEEE 1202 (endorsed by RG 1.189) would normally be applicable but the advanced cable designs are impervious to this cable flame test.] The primary goal of such a program is to provide an EPA design that can meet the qualification requirements for all legacy light water reactor plants currently operating as well as new plant designs including light water Small Modular Reactors. Thus, these requirements are applicable to plants licensed under 10CFR50 and 10CFR52. Other reactor designs may be evaluated, and this test system and qualification method applied to those applications if the requirements would satisfy the requirements of the intended plant. A secondary benefit of this work is to document some of the history and background in these requirements as there have been recent delays in an SMR licensing process due to NRC Requests for Additional Information in this subject matter area.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Real-Time Testbed for Transmission Line Protection

Hardware in the loop (HIL) testing is crucial for designing and managing electric power grids. These grids are becoming larger and more complex. The importance for students to have safe and intuitive ways to interact with the devices associated with the power grids has never been more crucial. Since most of these tests involve high voltages, this can be a deterrent for instructors and students in undergraduate programs. HIL testing is a solution to these common issues. This method has become one of the most popular methods for testing these power systems. With the use of Western Michigan University’s (WMU) Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and SEL-421-7 protection relay, a HIL testbed has been created. These devices were interconnected using the communication protocol known as Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE). A simulated transmission line system was modeled in an RTDS software RSCAD as the basis for this testbed. This model simulated different types of faults that could occur in a transmission line while in operation. The SEL-421-7 relay is connected to the RSCAD simulation via GOOSE to protect our simulated transmission line. This testbed was set up to give students a clear understanding of how distance protection works as well as how the SEL-421-7 will react to various kinds of faults, in addition to how useful the RTDS can be when testing different power systems.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Solid oxide electrolysis cell and stack testing best practices

Solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) technology is an emerging method for hydrogen production, noted for its superior electrical efficiency. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, the broad development of SOE technology is often constrained by the necessary and extensive "skill of the craft" required to successfully test simple single cell test articles. This may be linked to the dearth of practical and pragmatic guidance within the literature for safe, reliable, and performant test equipment and test procedures. Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have been actively testing SOEs ranging from button cells to stacks up to 500 kW, in collaboration with industry and other national laboratories. Based on operational experience, INL has developed system design procedures that ensure safe and reliable operation of SOE systems with the level of support required for each test. This paper presents key aspects of SOE stack and system testing, including safe design procedures, balance of plant components design, and specific implementations at INL. Practical design details of reactants, heat, and power management are presented along with lessons learned from the SOE test facility operations at INL.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2025

Microreactor Automated Control System - Digital Twin Models and Advanced Control Systems Updates

Automation of control systems is expected to be important in the economic and safe operation of microreactors. Therefore, there is a need to develop and demonstrate automated control for microreactors, along with the development of testbeds for this purpose. This report provides updates on the status of a nonnuclear microreactor automated control system (MACS)—a real-time, hardware-in-the-loop testbed for non-nuclear testing of microreactor control system automation. A real-time hardware-in-the-loop testbed incorporates the realistic dynamics of physical systems into control system development and testing. The collaborative effort between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) resulted in the development of a prototypic microreactor plant-level digital twin that includes the reactor and a balance of plant system. Advanced control strategies were incorporated to demonstrate testing of control automation solutions. The gRPC communication protocol, which was implemented in the hardware-in-the-loop testbed by INL, was coupled to a digital twin model developed using the TRANsient Simulation Framework of Reconfigurable Models (TRANSFORM) library in Modelica. This digital twin simulation was tested with the ViBRANT hardware for realistic feedback and visual representation of control action in real time. A modular Python client structure was developed to manage functional mock-up unit-based simulation and real-time gRPC communication. Hardware-in-the-loop testing indicated that the modeled reactor—a natural-convection, molten-salt coolant loop configuration—responds well to control of drum positioning for modulation of reactor core power, as well as system-level control and downstream demand changes. Ongoing research is focused on integrating additional control algorithms that utilize data from newly included sensors within the MACS hardware testbed, as well as demonstrating and assessing the performance of the different automated control algorithms on multiple additional operational scenarios.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Energy Technology Proving Ground Program Plan

New methods of energy production and distribution are required to meet clean energy goals and demands across all U.S. energy sectors. Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Integrated Energy Systems (IES) initiative is enabling clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities. To date, IES demonstration programs have been limited by distributed infrastructure and a lack of large-scale facilities to accommodate industry-scale research of Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8 technologies. The IES initiative plans to eliminate these constraints by establishing a new research complex at INL known as the Energy Technology Proving Ground (Proving Ground) to be led by the Energy and Environment Science and Technology Directorate. The Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate, one of five Idaho National Laboratory (INL) RD&D organizations, focuses on clean energy technologies that anchor the industry-enabling research of the Proving Ground. The Proving Ground will combine diverse clean energy systems into lean integrated test bed of independent multiscale capabilities available to the government and commercial industries to perform research; and will enable INL’s goal of becoming a Net-Zero entity by 2031. This program encompasses existing and new research space at both the in-town Research and Education Campus (REC) and the Arco desert site (the Site). The Proving Ground will support the maturation of IES technologies from TRL 1 through 8 by providing the infrastructure and capabilities needed to sustain a continuum of RD&D from basic science to industry-scale. To establish The Proving Ground and meet INL’s net-zero goals by 2031, nine research program areas have been identified within the IES initiative that require expanded and new capital infrastructure. This program plan provides guidance for establishing the Proving Ground at the Site for plug-and-play pilot testing and proofing of integrated energy system functionality including fission and renewable energy sources for industry driven application platforms.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Energy Technology Proving Ground FY-2026 Program Plan (Rev.1)

New methods of energy production and distribution are required to meet clean energy goals and demands across all U.S. energy sectors. Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Integrated Energy Systems (IES) initiative is enabling clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities. To date, IES demonstration programs have been limited by distributed infrastructure and a lack of large-scale facilities to accommodate industry-scale research of Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6-8 technologies. The IES initiative plans to eliminate these constraints by establishing a new research complex at INL known as the Energy Technology Proving Ground (Proving Ground) to be led by the Energy and Environment Science and Technology Directorate. The Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EES&T) directorate, one of five Idaho National Laboratory (INL) RD&D organizations, focuses on clean energy technologies that anchor the industry-enabling research of the Proving Ground. The Proving Ground will combine diverse clean energy systems into lean integrated test bed of independent multiscale capabilities available to the government and commercial industries to perform research; and will enable INL’s goal of becoming a Net-Zero entity by 2031. This program encompasses existing and new research space at both the in-town Research and Education Campus (REC) and the Arco desert site (the Site). The Proving Ground will support the maturation of IES technologies from TRL 1 through 8 by providing the infrastructure and capabilities needed to sustain a continuum of RD&D from basic science to industry-scale. To establish The Proving Ground and meet INL’s net-zero goals by 2031, nine research program areas have been identified within the IES initiative that require expanded and new capital infrastructure. This program plan provides guidance for establishing the Proving Ground at the Site for plug-and-play pilot testing and proofing of integrated energy system functionality including fission and renewable energy sources for industry driven application platforms.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2024

Demonstrating autonomous controls on hardware test beds is a necessity for successful missions to Mars and beyond

NASA and the Department of Defense are planning for a mission to Mars in the 2030s–2040s using nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP). NTP uses a nuclear reactor to heat flowing hydrogen and create thrust. A serious concern for crewed and uncrewed missions to Mars is the loss of reactor control. The reactor startup and initial rocket impulse are initiated in cislunar or near-earth orbital regions; therefore, radio communications between ground control and the NTP engine should occur in real time. However, radio communications can take more than 20 min, depending on planet positions, to reach Mars orbiters from ground control. To address this delay, local autonomous controls are implemented onboard the NTP engine to ensure acceptable operation. However, autonomous controls have not been demonstrated or implemented in research or power reactor contexts because of safety and reliability concerns. To enable autonomous controls development, demonstration, and validation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has created a nonnuclear hardware-in-the-loop test bed. Sensors throughout the test bed relay system status and hardware response to the user control algorithm, including measurements of temperature, flow, pressure of a loop, control drum position, and drum speed. This paper discusses the development of this facility and user accessibility.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2024

METHOD FOR EXPOSING IRRADIATED FUEL CLADDING TO RAPID THERMAL TRANSIENTS

Reactor core materials exposed to rapid thermal transients during accidents can experience significant changes in mechanical properties as irradiation hardness is recovered. Understanding material performance during transients using computer modeling requires accurate descriptions of mechanical property evolution with time and temperature. A simple experimental capability was developed to expose irradiated Zircaloy to a simulated thermal transient using immersion in molten tin (at 675°C) to rapidly heat and hold before rapidly cooling with a water quench. Multiple heating-cooling cycles using a nonirradiated tensile specimen showed simplicity and viability. Based on preliminary test results, a robust system was established for routine evaluation of simulated thermal accident scenarios in the Low Activation Materials Design and Analysis (LAMDA) laboratory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This paper summarizes system development and nonirradiated Zircaloy commissioning test results. Future experiments will conduct tensile tests on irradiated Zircaloy after various rapid temperature profiles.

Byun, TS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Automating Testing of DUNE Electronics via a Finite State Machine

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a flagship international collaboration designed to study neutrinos—tiny, nearly massless particles that may hold answers to fundamental questions about the Universe. Fermilab’s Robotic Test Stand (RTS) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of approximately 50,000 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips that will be used in DUNE’s massive liquid argon detectors. These electronics will be inside the cryostat; therefore, they will need to have a high yield of working chips and low noise. To improve the automation and reliability of the RTS, this project focused on designing and implementing a Python-based finite state machine (FSM) to manage chip handling workflows. The FSM was developed as a modular software framework to coordinate robotic arm movements, manage chip tray positions, and monitor system states during testing. Key features include robust error handling routines, a pause/resume system for safe mid-cycle interruptions, and a simulation mode for iterative testing without hardware dependencies. The system was designed to prepare for seamless integration with RTS hardware components such as the robotic arm and vision system. This integration will streamline collaboration and enable efficient deployment of updates across the six institutions performing testing. The outcomes of this internship contribute to Fermilab’s mission to advance high-energy physics and support the DOE’s national goals by directly improving the testing of equipment to be used in DUNE. The project also provided valuable experience in software design and contributing to the success of DUNE.

Kang, Caleb [Fermilab]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Automating Testing of DUNE Electronics via a Finite State Machine

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a flagship international collaboration designed to study neutrinos tiny, nearly massless particles that may hold answers to fundamental questions about the Universe. Fermilab s Robotic Test Stand (RTS) plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of approximately 50,000 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chips that will be used in DUNE s massive liquid argon detectors. These electronics will be inside the cryostat; therefore, they will need to have a high yield of working chips and low noise. To improve the automation and reliability of the RTS, this project focused on designing and implementing a Python-based finite state machine (FSM) to manage chip handling workflows. The FSM was developed as a modular software framework to coordinate robotic arm movements, manage chip tray positions, and monitor system states during testing. Key features include robust error handling routines, a pause/resume system for safe mid-cycle interruptions, and a simulation mode for iterative testing without hardware dependencies. The system was designed to prepare for seamless integration with RTS hardware components such as the robotic arm and vision system. This integration will streamline collaboration and enable efficient deployment of updates across the six total institutions performing testing. The outcomes of this internship contribute to Fermilab s mission to advance high-energy physics and support the DOE s national goals by directly improving the testing of equipment to be used in DUNE. The project also provided valuable experience in software design and contributing to the success of DUNE.

Kang, Caleb [William Rainey Harper Coll.]↗
DOE OSTI2026

Comparison of the performance of TLD, OSL and RPL personal dosimetry systems to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) test categories

The Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) tests the capability and performance of the United States Department of Energy's (USDOE) facilities to accurately measure and quantify the whole-body and extremity radiation equivalent doses to the occupational workers. The dosimetry methods used in personal dosimetry can be Thermoluminescence (TL), Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Radiophotoluminescence (RPL), among other techniques available. Currently, the TL (LiF:Mg,Ti) and OSL (Al 2 O 3 :C) dosimetry systems are DOELAP-accredited for occupational dose measurements and regulatory reporting. In this study, the performance of a beryllium oxide (BeO) OSL dosimetry system and of a silver-doped phosphate glass RPL dosimetry system is compared against the performance of an accredited LiF:Mg,Ti TL dosimetry system. The bias and standard deviation in each of the performance test categories are compared between these three systems for exposures to photons, beta, and mixed radiation fields with the criteria established by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and Health Physics Society (HPS) N13.11-2022 standard. The practical implementation of the dosimetry program and its equivalency to the occupational personal equivalent dose H p (0.07) and H p (10) measurements were evaluated. The TL, OSL and RPL dosimetry systems passed the ANSI performance test criteria for H p (0.07) and H p (10) occupational dose measurements and met the DOELAP accreditation requirements.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Testing of Fusion Machine Components Against Cryogenic Pellet Impacts

Shattered pellet injection (SPI), currently the most effective method of disruption mitigation, is currently implemented on tokamaks worldwide for experimental purposes. Cryogenic pellets are formed and fired into an angled surface before entering the plasma. The impact with the angled surface causes the pellets to fragment into a cloud of particles with the purpose of increasing the surface area for ablation. As pellets traverse guide tubes, depending on design, there is a chance of an off-normal pellet impact. Pellet impacts are also, depending on design, possible in the plasma chamber if not fully ablated and assimilated, or if the fragment plume is not directed in the proper direction. This paper outlines a series of pellet impact tests on various tiles and components relevant to the ITER, JET, and ASDEX Upgrade SPI systems. In conclusion, testing was done to assess the potential damage from pellet and fragment plume impacts through high-speed imaging and the visual inspection of components.

Cryogenic pellets↗
DOE OSTI2024

Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System

This report, "Accelerating the Adoption of the Solid Panel Structural System", explores the structural properties, capabilities, and applications for an innovative “studless” building system that uses a plate-like approach and “Perfect Wall” principles for an efficient, durable, and robust wall system. A comprehensive testing regime was completed to fully characterize the structural behavior of the Solid Panel Structural system. These results were used to develop an engineering guide that can be used by architects and engineers for design and code approval.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗